Akoumia

Akoumia is a traditional sweet specialty, a unique type of donut that is prepared on the island of Symi. What makes this dish stand out from other versions of Greek donuts is the addition of boiled rice and ouzo to the dough. It is typically made with a combination of flour, boiled rice, yeast, ouzo, and oil (often corn oil). The deep-fried pieces of dough are usually enjoyed while still warm, with cinnamon sugar or honey on top. On Symi Island, people prepare this deep-fried dessert for special occasions such as engagements, weddings, christenings, birthdays, and name days. Akoumia donuts are also an inevitable part of the island’s New Year’s tradition, which involves placing a coin in one of the donuts, and the person who gets the one with the coin inside is believed to be blessed with a year of luck.